JP6957473B2 - Surgical staple fasteners with shaft release, electric launch, and electric joint movement - Google Patents

Description

In some situations, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred over conventional open surgical devices, as smaller incisions can reduce postoperative recovery time and complications. For this reason, some endoscopic surgical instruments are suitable for placing the distal end effector at the desired surgical site through the trocar cannula. These distal end effectors can engage tissue in various ways to obtain diagnostic or therapeutic effects (eg, end cutters, grippers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drugs / genes). Therapeutic delivery device and energy delivery device using ultrasonic vibration, RF, laser, etc.). Endoscopic surgical instruments may include a shaft operated by a clinician between the end effector and the handle portion. Such a shaft allows insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitating the positioning of the end effector within the patient's body. Positioning of the end effector includes one or more joint joints or mechanisms that allow the end effector to selectively joint or otherwise flex with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This can be done more easily.

An example of an endoscopic surgical instrument is a surgical stapler. Some of these staplers clamp the cut tissue layers, cut the clamped tissue layers, and drive staples through the tissue layers so that the cut tissue layers are brought together near the cut ends of the tissue layer. It can operate to substantially seal each other. An exemplary surgical stapler is disclosed below. That is, US Pat. No. 4,805,823 entitled "Pocket Composition for International Orange Staples" issued on February 21, 1989, and "Surgical Stapler and Staple Cartridge" issued on May 16, 1995. US Pat. No. 5,415,334, US Pat. No. 5,465,895, US Pat. US Pat. No. 5,597,107 entitled "Stapler Instrument", US Pat. No. 5,632,432 entitled "Surgical Instrument" issued on May 27, 1997, issued on October 7, 1997. US Pat. No. 5,673,840 entitled "Surgical Instruments", US Pat. No. 5,704,534 entitled "Artification Asshemly for Surgical Instruments" issued on January 6, 1998, September 1998. US Pat. No. 5,814,055 entitled "Surgical Clamping Mechanism" issued on the 29th, and "Surgical Stapleing Instrument Incorporating an E-Bearing Mechanical US Patent" issued on December 27, 2005. US Pat. No. 6,978,921, issued February 21, 2006, US Pat. No. 7,000,818, issued December 5, 2006, entitled "Surgical Stapping Instrument Having Speciale Distinguished Distinguished Systems". US Pat. No. 7,143,923 entitled "Surgical Stapleing Instrument Having a Filling Lockout for an Unclosed Anvil", "Surgical Staples Instrument" issued on December 4, 2007. ratting a Multi-Stroke Filling Mechanism with a Flexible Rack US Pat. No. 7,303,108, "Surgical Surgery Instrument Movement Technology Technology" issued on May 6, 2008. US Patent No. 7,367,485, US Patent No. 7,380,695, June 3, 2008, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Single Lockout Mechanism for Presentation of Filling" issued on June 3, 2008. U.S. Pat. US Pat. No. 7,404,508, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Multistroke With Opening Lockout," issued on October 14, 2008, US Pat. No. 7,434,715, May 2010. US Pat. US Pat. No. 8,408,439, and "Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with El" issued on June 4, 2013. US Pat. No. 8,453,914 entitled "Detective Actuator Directional Control Assembly". The disclosures of each of the US patents cited above are incorporated herein by reference.

Although the surgical staplers described above are described as being used in endoscopic surgery, such surgical staplers can also be used in open procedures and / or other non-endoscopic surgery. I want to be understood. As just one example, in chest surgery where the trocar is not used as a conduit for the stapler, the surgical stapler can also be inserted between the patient's ribs by thoracotomy to reach one or more organs. In such surgery, staplers may be used to cut and close the blood vessels that connect to the lungs. For example, blood vessels leading to an organ can be cut and closed with a stapler prior to excision of the organ from the thoracic cavity. It goes without saying that surgical staplers can be used in a variety of other situations and in surgery.

An example of a surgical stapler that may or may be particularly suitable for thoracic surgery is the US Patent Application Publication No., entitled "Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks," published August 28, 2014. 2014/0243801, US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0239041, published on August 28, 2014, entitled "Lockout Feature for Mobile Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument", published on August 28, 2014. US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0239042 entitled "Tisse Positioning and Jaw Alignment Features for Surgical Stapler", "Jaw Color Feature Forment" published on August 28, 2014 2014/0239036, published on August 24, 2014, US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0239040, published on August 28, 2014, entitled "Surgical Instrument with Artification Lock having a Detenting Binary Spring". US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0239043 entitled "Distal Tip Features for End Effector of Surgical Instrument", "Standard Forming Features for Surgical Patent No. 37" , US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0239038 entitled "Surgical Instrument with Multi-Diameter Shaft" published on August 28, 2014, and "Installlat" published on August 28, 2014. It is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0239044 entitled "ion Features for Surgical Instrument End Effect Cartridge". The respective disclosures of the US patent applications cited above are incorporated herein by reference.

Although several surgical instruments and systems have been produced and used, it is considered that none of them have produced or used the present invention described in the appended claims prior to the present inventors.

The present specification is completed by the scope of claims that specifically point out the present technology and explicitly claim its rights, but the present technology includes the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is believed that it will be better understood by reading, and in the drawings, similar reference symbols identify the same element.
A perspective view of an exemplary surgical instrument including a replaceable shaft assembly and a handle assembly is shown. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1, showing a shaft assembly disassembled from the handle assembly of the instrument. FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1, showing a shaft assembly disassembled from the handle assembly of the instrument. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 1 cut along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 with the shaft assembly operably connected to the handle assembly. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 1 cut along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, which is the initial stage in which the shaft assembly is operably disconnected from the handle assembly. To show the shaft assembly operably connected to the handle assembly, a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed is shown. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed to show an early stage shaft assembly that is operably disconnected from the handle assembly. A perspective view of another exemplary surgical staple fastening device is shown. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 6 cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, with the shaft assembly operably connected to the handle assembly. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 6 cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, which is the first step of disconnecting the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 6 cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, which is the second stage in which the shaft assembly is disconnected from the handle assembly. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of another exemplary surgical staple fastening instrument in which the shaft assembly is operably connected to the handle assembly. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 8A, which is the first stage in which the shaft assembly is disconnected from the handle assembly. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 8A, which is the second stage in which the shaft assembly is disconnected from the handle assembly. FIG. 8A shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of the instrument latch system of FIG. 8A. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 8A cut along a substantially centerline of the shaft assembly, with the shaft assembly operably connected to the handle assembly. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 8A cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, which is the first step in disconnecting the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 8A cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, which is the second stage in which the shaft assembly is disconnected from the handle assembly. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of another exemplary surgical staple fastening instrument in which the shaft assembly is operably connected to the handle assembly. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged rear perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 11A, which is the first stage in which the shaft assembly is disconnected from the handle assembly. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 11A cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, with the shaft assembly operably connected to the handle. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the instrument of FIG. 11A cut along a substantially center line of the shaft assembly, which is the initial stage of disconnection of the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. Shows a schematic of an exemplary surgical staple fastener with a field programmable gate array configured to receive core logic from flash memory when the shaft assembly is operably connected to the handle assembly. .. A top perspective view of the handle assembly of the instrument of FIG. 13 is shown. A partially exploded perspective view of another exemplary surgical staple fastening instrument with a shaft assembly that includes a shifter mechanism is shown. An exploded perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 15 is shown. An enlarged exploded perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 16 in the first assembly stage is shown. An enlarged partial fraction decomposition perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 17 in the second assembly stage is shown. An enlarged partial fraction decomposition perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 17 in the third assembly stage is shown. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 16 with the shifter mechanism in the first engaging position. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 16 with the shifter mechanism in the second engaging position.

The drawings are not intended to be limited in any manner, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technique may be implemented in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of this specification, show some aspects of the art and are helpful in explaining the principles of the art along with their description. It is understood that the present technology is not limited to the exact arrangement shown.

The following description of a particular embodiment of the technology shall not be used to limit the scope of the technology. Other embodiments, features, embodiments, embodiments, and advantages of the present technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is, by way of example, one of the best possible embodiments of the present technology. Become. As will be appreciated, none of the techniques described herein are capable of other distinct aspects without departing from that technique. Therefore, drawings and descriptions should be considered of exemplary nature, not of limited nature.

Any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be referred to as other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. It will also be appreciated that it can be combined with any one or more. Therefore, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below should not be considered individually for each other. In light of the teachings herein, various suitable methods by which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and modifications shall be included in the "claims".

For clarity of the present disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein for an operator or other operator holding a surgical instrument with a distal surgical end effector. Will be done. The term "proximal" refers to the position of an element closer to the operator or other operator, and the term "distal" is closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and from the operator or other operator. Refers to the position of an element further away. The surgical instruments described herein include motorized instruments for cutting and stapling, while the battery configurations described herein include, for example, cutters, grippers, staplers, RF cutters / coagulation. It is understood that it can be used with any suitable type of electrosurgical instrument, such as instruments, ultrasonic cutters / coagulation instruments, and laser cutters / coagulation instruments.

I. Schematic of an exemplary surgical instrument FIG. 1 shows a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument (10) that may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument (10) comprises a handle assembly (11) having a housing (12). At least a portion of the housing (12) forms a handle (14) configured to be grasped, operated and actuated by the clinician. The housing (12) is an interchangeable shaft assembly (16) to which surgical end effectors (18) configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures are operably connected. Configured for operable mounting on. It is understood that various unique and novel configurations of the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein can also be effectively used in connection with robotic surgical systems. Will. Therefore, the term "housing" is also used to generate and apply at least one control motion that can be used to operate the interchangeable shaft assemblies and their corresponding equivalents disclosed herein. It may include a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that accommodates or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured. The term "frame" can refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term "frame" may also refer to a portion of a robot-controlled surgical instrument and / or a portion of a robotic system that can be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assembly disclosed herein is disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled "Surgical Stapleing Instruments with Rotary Device Deployment Arrangements," issued July 7, 2015. , Can be used with various robot systems, instruments, components and methods, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The handle assembly (11) is a replaceable shaft assembly (16) that includes an end effector (18) with a surgical cutting and fastening device (10) that operably supports the surgical staple cartridge (20) inside. Shown in relation. The housing (12) includes end effectors adapted to support staple cartridges of different sizes and types for use in connection with interchangeable shaft assemblies with different shaft lengths, sizes and types, etc. It may be configured. In addition, the handle assembly (11) also uses other movements and forms of energy, such as radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and / or movement, for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. It may be effectively used with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies, including assemblies configured to apply to a adapted end effector configuration. In addition, end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments and / or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener (s) to fasten the tissue. For example, a fastener cartridge with a plurality of fasteners retractably housed therein can be detachably inserted and / or mounted on an end effector of a shaft assembly. Various examples of such cartridges are disclosed in the various references listed herein.

FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument (10) with a replaceable shaft assembly (16) operably connected to a handle assembly (11). 2 and 3 show the attachment of the replaceable shaft assembly (16) to the housing (12) of the handle (14). The handle (14) includes a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments (22, 24) that can be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesives and the like. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments (22, 24) work together to form a pistol grip portion (26) that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As discussed in more detail below, the handle (14) operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein, the drive systems operably attached to the interchangeable shaft assembly (16). It is configured to generate and apply various control movements to the corresponding parts of.

The handle (14) further includes a frame (28) that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame (28) can operably support a "first" or closed drive system, collectively referred to as (30), which is operably attached or coupled to it. Can be used to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly (16). In one example, the closed drive system (30) includes an actuator in the form of a closed trigger (32) pivotally supported by a frame (28). More specifically, the closure trigger (32) is pivotally connected to the housing (14) by a pin (34) (see FIG. 4A). Such an arrangement allows the closure trigger (32) to be manipulated by the clinician so that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion (26) of the handle (14), the closure trigger (32) , From the starting position or the "non-actuated" position towards the pistol grip portion (26) to the "actuated" position, more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closing trigger (32) may be urged to a non-actuated position by a spring or other urging configuration (not shown). In various examples, the closure drive system (30) further comprises a closure linkage assembly (36) pivotally coupled to a closure trigger (32). The closure link mechanism assembly (36) connects a first closure link (not shown) and a second closure link (38) pivotally connected to a closure trigger (32) by a pin (not shown). It may be included. Second Closing Link (38) Also referred to herein as a "mounting member" may include a lateral mounting pin (37).

Further referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first closure link (not shown) is configured to work with the closure / release assembly (44) pivotally coupled to the frame (28). In at least one example, the closure release assembly (44) has an release button assembly (46) on which a distally projecting locking pole (not shown) is formed. The release button assembly (46) can be pivoted counterclockwise by a release spring (not shown). When the clinician pushes the closure trigger (32) from its non-actuated position towards the pistol grip portion (26) of the handle (14), the first closure link (not shown) is triggered by the locking pole (not shown). Pistols upward towards a point of retention engagement with the first closure link (not shown), thereby preventing the closure trigger (32) from returning to the inactive position. Therefore, the closure / release assembly (44) serves to lock the closure trigger (32) in the fully actuated position. When the clinician wants to unlock the closure trigger (32) from the actuated position and return it to the non-actuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly (46) and thus the locking pole (not shown). ) Is moved out of engagement with the first closed link (not shown). When the locking pole (not shown) moves out of engagement with the first closing link (not shown), the closing trigger (32) can pivot and return to the inactive position. Other closure trigger lock and release configurations may be used.

The replaceable shaft assembly (16) includes a surgical end effector (18) with an elongated channel (48) configured to operably support the staple cartridge (20) inside. The end effector (18) of this example further includes an anvil (50) that is pivotally supported for an elongated channel (48). The replaceable shaft assembly (16) may be configured to releasably hold the end effector (18) in a desired position relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16), the joint joint (52) and the joint lock. (Not shown) and is further included. As just one example, the end effector (18), joint joint (52) and joint lock (not shown) are published in US Patent Publication No. 2014 entitled "Artificial Instrument Comprising an Articulation Lock" published on September 18, 2014. It may be configured and operational according to at least a portion of the teachings of 0263541. Alternatively, the end effector (18), joint joint (52) and joint lock (not shown) are constructed according to at least some of the teachings of any other reference (s) listed herein. And may be operational, or may be configured and operational by any other suitable method.

The replaceable shaft assembly (16) further includes a proximal enclosure or nozzle (54) composed of nozzle portions (56, 58). The replaceable shaft assembly (16) further includes a closure tube (60) that can be used to close and / or open the anvil (50) of the end effector (18). The shaft assembly (16) also includes a closed shuttle (62) that is slidably supported within the chassis (64) and thus can be moved axially relative to the chassis (64). The closure shuttle (62) includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks (66) configured for attachment to a mounting pin (42) attached to a second closure link (38). The proximal end (68) of the closure tube (60) (see FIG. 5A) is connected to the closure shuttle (62) for relative rotation to it. A closing spring (not shown) is pivotally supported on the closing tube (60) to serve to urge the closing tube (60) in the proximal direction (PD), thereby allowing the shaft assembly (16) to handle (16). When operably connected to 14), it may serve to pivot the closure trigger (32) to the non-actuated position. Further details regarding one or more features of the alternative shaft assembly are provided in more detail below.

In this example, the joint joint (52) includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70). The dual pivot closure sleeve assembly (70) is an end effector closure sleeve assembly (72) for engaging open tabs on the anvil (50) in various ways as described in US Patent Publication No. 2014/0263541. ), The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The shaft assembly (16) of this example includes a joint joint (52), but other replaceable shaft assemblies may lack joint motion capability.

With reference to FIGS. 3-4B, the chassis (64) was adapted to be received within the corresponding dovetail slot (76) formed within the distal mounting flange portion (78) of the frame (28). Includes a pair of tapered mounting portions (74) formed on the chassis. Each dovetail slot (76) may be tapered or substantially V-shaped to accommodate the mounting portion (74) inside. A shaft mounting lug (80) is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate launch shaft (82). Thus, when the replaceable shaft assembly (16) is connected to the handle (14), the shaft mounting lug (80) is a launch shaft mounting cradle (84) formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member (86). Accepted within.

An example of a shaft assembly (16) includes a latch system (88) for detachably connecting the shaft assembly (16) to a handle assembly (11), more specifically to a frame (28). As can be seen from FIGS. 4A-5B, for example, the latch system (88) includes a locking member or lock yoke (90) that is movably connected to the chassis (64). In the illustrated example, the lock yoke (90) has a U-shape with two spaced, downwardly extending legs (92). Each leg (92) has a pivot lug (94) formed on the leg (92) adapted to be received within a corresponding hole (not shown) formed in the chassis (64). ). Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke (90) to the chassis (64). The lock yoke (90) is two proximally configured for releasable engagement with the corresponding lock detent or groove (98) of the distal mounting flange portion (78) of the frame (28). Includes a protruding lock lug (96) (see FIG. 3). In various forms, the lock yoke (90) is as seen in the spring (91) or other urging member (eg, more detailed below, FIGS. 7A-7C, 10A-10C and 12A, 12B. It is urged in the proximal direction by the urging member). The operation of the lock yoke (90) may be achieved by a latch button (100) slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly (102) mounted on the chassis (64). The latch button (100) may be urged proximally to the lock yoke (90). As discussed in more detail below, the lock yoke (90) may be moved to the unlocked position by urging the latch button (100) distally, which is also the lock yoke (90). The 90) is pivoted out of the holding engagement of the frame (28) with the distal mounting flange portion (78). When the lock yoke (90) is "holding engaged" with the distal mounting flange portion (78) of the frame (28), the lock lug (96) has a corresponding lock detent within the distal mounting flange portion (78). It is held and contained in a detent or groove (98).

When using a replaceable shaft assembly that includes end effectors of the types described herein adapted to cut and fasten tissue, as well as other types of end effectors, during operation of the end effector (18). It may be desirable to prevent the replaceable shaft assembly (16) from being inadvertently separated from the handle assembly (11). For example, during use, the clinician may activate the closure trigger (32) to grab the target tissue and manipulate it to the desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector (18) in the desired orientation, the clinician then fully activates the closure trigger (32) to close the anvil (50), cut the target tissue and It may be clamped at the stapled position. In that case, the closed drive system (30) is fully operational. It may be desirable to prevent the shaft assembly (16) from being inadvertently separated from the handle assembly (11) after the target tissue has been clamped to the end effector (18).

For this purpose, FIGS. 5A and 5B include a pair of lock hooks (104) adapted to contact the corresponding lock lugs (96) formed on the closed shuttle (62), the lock yoke (90). show. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5A, 5B, when the closed shuttle (62) is in the inactive position (ie, the first drive system (30) is inactive and the anvil (50) is open), it locks. The yoke (90) may be pivoted distally to unlock the replaceable shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11). When in that position, the lock hook (104) does not touch the lock lug (96) on the closed shuttle (62). However, when the closing shuttle (62) is moved to the working position (ie, the first drive system (30) is working and the anvil (50) is in the closing position), the lock yoke (90) is in the unlocking position. It is prevented from being pivoted to. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke (90) to the unlocked position, or, for example, in such a manner that the lock yoke (90) can otherwise be distally pivoted. In the event of inadvertent abutment or contact, the lock hook (104) on the lock yoke (90) will contact the lock lug (96) on the closing shuttle (62) and into the unlocked position of the lock yoke (90). Prevent movement.

Here, the attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly (16) to the handle (14) is described with reference to FIGS. 3-5B. To initiate the coupling process, the clinician positions the chassis (64) of the replaceable shaft assembly (16) above or adjacent to the distal mounting flange portion (78) of the frame (28). Also, the tapered mounting portion (74) formed on the chassis (64) is therefore aligned with the dovetail slot (76) in the frame (28). The clinician then moves the shaft assembly (16) along a mounting axis (IA) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16) to align the mounting portion (74) with the corresponding dovetail receiving slot (76). And "operably engaged" may be accommodated. At that time, the shaft mounting lug (80) on the intermediate launch shaft (82) is also housed in the cradle (84) of the drive member (86) which is movable in the longitudinal direction, and is placed on the second closing link (38). A portion of a pin (42) is housed in a corresponding hook (66) within the closed shuttle (62). As used herein, the term "movable engagement" in the context of two components constitutes that the two components are fully engaged with each other and therefore, when actuating motion is applied to them, It means that the element can perform the intended action, function and / or procedure.

As mentioned above, at least 5 systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly (16) may be operably coupled with at least 5 corresponding systems of the handle (14). The first system comprises a frame system that connects and / or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly (16) with the frame (28) of the handle (14). The second system is a closure drive system (30) capable of operably connecting the closure trigger (32) of the handle (14) and the closure tube (60) and anvil (50) of the shaft assembly (16). As outlined above, the closure shuttle (62) of the shaft assembly (16) engages the pin (42) on the second closure link (38). A third system is a launch drive system that operably connects the launch trigger of the handle (14) to the intermediate launch shaft (82) of the shaft assembly (16). As outlined above, the shaft mounting lug (80) operably connects to the cradle (84) of the longitudinal drive member (86). In a fourth system, the shaft assembly (16) is operably engaged with the handle (14) to conduct power and / or communicate signals between the shaft assembly (16) and the handle (14). It is an electrical system that can send a signal to do so to a control device in the handle (14), such as a microcontroller. For example, the shaft assembly (16) includes an electrical connector (106) operably mounted on a shaft circuit board (not shown). The electrical connector (106) is configured for meshing engagement with the corresponding electrical connector (108) on a handle control board (not shown). Further details regarding circuits and control systems can be found in US Patent Publication No. 2014/0263541, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A fifth system is a latch system (88) for releasably locking the shaft assembly (16) to the handle (14).

The various shaft assemblies (16) disclosed herein may use various other components that require telecommunications with the sensor and controller within the housing (12). These shuff assembly (16) are generally configured to be rotatable relative to the housing and between two or more components that may rotate relative to each other. Requires a connection that facilitates such telecommunications. With the types of end effectors disclosed herein, the connector device must be reasonably compact to fit into the shaft assembly connector portion, while also being relatively robust in nature. In addition to the above, instrument (10) is constructed and constructed in accordance with at least part of the teachings of US Patent Application No. 14 / 226,142 entitled "Surgical Instrument Comprising a Sensor System" filed March 26, 2014. It may be operational and its disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In addition or alternatives, the device (10) may be constructed and operational according to at least some of the teachings of any of the various other references listed herein.

II. Surgical instrument with drain latch system The surgical instrument (10) described above provides a replaceable shaft assembly (16), which is connected and disconnected by movement along a mounting shaft (IA). Will be understood. Therefore, the operator does not remember the direction in which the shaft assembly (16) is removed from the handle assembly (11) and inadvertently pulls the shaft assembly (16) along the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16). Depending on), it is possible to try to remove the shaft assembly (16) in another wrong direction. At best, this removal attempt can result in wasted time and dissatisfaction during surgery, especially during complex and time-constrained surgical procedures. In the worst case, the operator can inadvertently damage the surgical instrument (10) during or after improper removal. Therefore, it has a discharge latch system (288) configured to remove the shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11) at least partially and to easily direct the operator in the direction in which the shaft assembly (16) is removed. , It may be desirable to provide a surgical instrument (210). It will be appreciated that the features discussed below can be easily incorporated into the surgical instrument (10) discussed above. For this purpose, similar numbers indicate in more detail the same features described above.

6-7C show the handle assembly (11), the shaft assembly (16), and the discharge latch system (288) configured to indicate the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA) (see FIG. 2). ), And an exemplary surgical instrument (210). The latch system (288) includes a latch actuator assembly (302) having a latch member in the form of a latch button (300) and a latch mount body (310). The latch mount body (310) is a latch button while the operator operates the latch button (300) between the lock position, the release position, and the disengagement position, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, respectively. It is configured to slidably support (300). Thereby, the operator slides the latch button (300) distally from the locked position to the released position to operably disconnect the shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11). The operator then further slides the latch button (300) distally from the open position to the disengagement position to urge the shaft assembly (16) with respect to the shaft assembly (16) in the disengagement direction. do. The description of the lock position, the release position, and the release position is detailed below as separate positions, but the operator can perform a single common movement or through separate operations as the operator desires. It will be appreciated that the latch button (300) can be smoothly transitioned from the locked position to the released position and the shaft assembly (16) can be removed.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the latch system (288) further includes a handle lock member in the form of a distal mounting flange portion (78) and a shaft lock member in the form of a lock yoke (90). As mentioned above, the lock yoke (90) is pivotally connected to the chassis (64) at the proximal end portion (312) of the shaft assembly (16) and is closer towards the distal mounting flange portion (78). Be urged to rank. After operably connecting the shaft assembly (16) to the handle assembly (11), the pivot lug (94) slides relative to the distal mounting flange portion (78) and the groove (98) is the pivot lug. The lock yoke (90) is pivoted around the distal mounting flange portion (78) until (94) is captured. Thereby, the distal mounting flange portion (78) and the lock yoke (90) prevent the shaft assembly (16) from being removed until the operator operates the latch button (300).

For this purpose, the latch button (300) pivots the lock yoke (90) and releases the pivot lug (94) from the groove (98) with an upper grip surface (314) and a distal nose (316). ) And. The upper grip surface (314) is unsmoothed to provide a surface on which the operator can effectively grip the latch button (300). The distal nose (316) projects distally from the upper gripping surface (314) and extends to the lock yoke (90). The latch button (300) further includes a lower ramp cam surface (318) configured to engage and slide along a cam base (320) tightly attached to the handle assembly (11).

The latch mount body (310) is configured to allow the latch button (300) to slide longitudinally and relative to the cam base (320). In this example, the latch mount body (310) has a pair of opposed longitudinal latch slots (322) that slidably receive the opposing ends of the latch button (300). The latch mount body (310) also includes a hole (324) positioned such that the lower lamp cam surface (318) passes through the interior and contacts the cam base (320). Thus, the engagement between the lower ramp cam surface (318) and the cam base (320) induces lateral movement of the latch button (300), while the latch button (300) is the latch mount body (300). It is configured to slide longitudinally within each longitudinal latch slot (322) within 310).

In use, FIG. 7A shows a shaft assembly (16) operably connected to a handle assembly (11) and a latch button (300) in the locked position. To disconnect the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11), the operator grips the upper grip surface (314) with the thumb or fingers of the hand and distally pushes the latch button (300) towards the release position. Slide to. This time, the distal nose (316) engages the lock yoke (90), pivoting the lock yoke (90) distally and releasing the pivot lag (94). FIG. 7B shows the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11) operably disconnected from the latch button (300) in the release position.

In this example, the shaft assembly (16) is the mounting shaft (IA) from the release position (see FIG. 2) because the shaft assembly and the handle assembly (16, 11) are mechanically disconnected at this stage. It may be removed along. However, in order to indicate the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA), the operator further slides the latch button (300) distally towards the release position shown in FIG. 7C. More specifically, when the latch button (300) slides distally, the lower ramp cam surface (318) slides laterally upward along the cam base (320). Since the latch button (300) is received in the latch slot (322) of the latch mount body (310), the upward movement of the latch button (300) also attaches the entire shaft assembly (16) to the shaft (32). Bounce upward along the IA) in the removal direction. In other words, the latch system (288) responds to the further distal sliding of the button (300) by partially mounting the shaft assembly (16) upward along the mounting shaft (IA) in the removal direction. Discharge. Upon sensing this discharge through tactile feedback, the operator then continues to remove the shaft assembly (16) along the mounting shaft (IA) in the removal direction, with the replaceable shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11). The removal can be completed.

III. Surgical Instruments with Alternative Latch Systems In some cases, it may be desirable to provide surgical instruments (10, 210) with alternative forms of latch systems (88, 288). Specifically, a pivot configured to operably disconnect the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11) and indicate a removal direction along a mounting shaft (IA) (see FIG. 2). It may be desirable to provide surgical instruments (10, 210) with another drain latch system (488), including a movable latch switch (500). In addition, surgery with a non-discharging latch system (688), including a pivotable latch switch (700) that does not urge or otherwise eject the shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11). It may also be desirable to provide equipment (10, 210). Various embodiments of the alternative latch system (488, 688) will be described in more detail below, but further embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the teachings herein. .. It should be understood that the various latch systems described below can be easily integrated into surgical instruments (10, 210) instead of the corresponding latch systems (88, 288). Therefore, similar numbers below will continue to exhibit similar features as described above.

A. An exemplary alternative discharge latch system with a latch switch FIGS. 8A-10C show the handle assembly (11), the shaft assembly (16), and the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA) (see FIG. 2). Another exemplary surgical instrument (410) is shown, including a drain latch system (488) configured as shown. The latch system (488) includes a latch actuator assembly (502) having a latch member in the form of a latch switch (500) and a latch mount body (510). The latch mount body (510) allows the operator to operate the latch switch (500) between the lock position, the release position, and the disengagement position, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C and 10A-10C, respectively. It is configured to driveably support the latch switch (500) while it is being driven. The operator thereby pivots the latch switch (500) distally from the locked position to the released position to operably disconnect the handle assembly (11) from the shaft assembly (16). The operator then further pivots the latch switch (500) distally from the open position to the disengagement position to urge the shaft assembly (16) with respect to the shaft assembly (16) in the disengagement direction. do. The description of the lock position, the release position, and the release position is detailed below as separate positions, but the operator can perform a single common movement or through separate operations as the operator desires. It will be appreciated that the latch switch (500) can be smoothly transitioned from the locked position to the released position and the shaft assembly (16) can be removed.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 10A, the latch system (488) further includes a handle lock member in the form of a distal mounting flange portion (78) and a shaft lock member in the form of a lock yoke (90). The latch button (500) pivots the lock yoke (90) and pulls the proximal grip surface (514) and the distal nose (516) together to release the pivot lug (94) from the groove (98). include. The distal nose (516) projects distally from the proximal grip surface (314) and extends to the lock yoke (90). In this example, the distal nose (516) is an arched cam surface configured to engage and pivot with respect to the lock yoke (90) to orient the lock yoke (90) distally. 530) is further included. The latch switch (500) further comprises a pair of cam lobes (532), each configured to engage and pivot along a cam base (520) tightly attached to the handle assembly (11). It has a cam lobe surface (518).

The latch mount body (510) is configured to allow the latch switch (500) to pivot longitudinally and relative to the cam base (520). In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A, the latch mount body (510) has a pair of opposing outer latch slots (522) that pivotally receive the opposing ends of the latch switch (500). More specifically, the latch switch (500) includes a coaxial and opposed outer shaft (534) pivotally received within the corresponding latch slot (522). Each of the outer shafts (534) also includes a cam lobe (532) extending from it towards the cam base (520). The latch mount body (510) also includes a hole (524) positioned such that each cam lobe surface (518) passes through the interior and contacts the cam base (520). Thus, the engagement between each cam lobe surface (518) and the cam base (520) induces lateral movement of the latch switch (500), while the latch switch (500) is the latch mount body (510). ) Is configured to pivot within the outer latch slot (522).

In use, FIGS. 8A and 10A show a shaft assembly (16) operably coupled to a handle assembly (11) and a latch switch (500) in a locked position. To disconnect the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11), the operator grips the proximal grip surface (514) with the thumb or finger of the hand and moves the latch switch (500) farther towards the release position. Move to the position. This time, the arched cam surface (530) of the distal nose (516) engages the lock yoke (90), pivoting the lock yoke (90) distally and creating a pivot lug (94). release. 8B and 10B show the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11) operably disconnected from the latch switch (500) in the open position.

In this example, the shaft assembly (16) is the mounting shaft (IA) from the release position (see FIG. 2) because the shaft assembly and the handle assembly (16, 11) are mechanically disconnected at this stage. It may be removed along. However, in order to indicate the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA), the operator further pivots the latch switch (500) distally towards the release position shown in FIGS. 8C and 10C. More specifically, when the latch switch (500) is pivoted distally, each cam lobe surface (518) pivots about the cam base (520) and the outer shaft (534) of the latch switch (500). Point upwards. Since the latch switch (500) is received in the latch slot (522) of the latch mount body (510), the upward movement of the latch switch (500) also attaches the entire shaft assembly (16) to the mounting shaft (45). Bounce upward along the IA) in the removal direction. In other words, the latch system (488) partially ejects the shaft assembly (16) along the mounting shaft (IA) upwards in the disengagement direction in response to further pivoting of the latch switch (500). .. Upon sensing this discharge through tactile feedback, the operator then continues to remove the shaft assembly (16) along the mounting shaft (IA) in the removal direction, with the replaceable shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11). The removal can be completed.

B. An exemplary alternative non-exhaust latch system with a latch switch FIGS. 11A-12B show the handle assembly and shaft assembly (16) without pointing the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA) (see FIG. 2). , 11) show another exemplary surgical instrument (610), including a non-exhaust latch system (688), having a latch switch (700) configured to disconnect. The latch system (688) includes a latch actuator assembly (702) having a latch member in the form of a latch switch (700) and a latch mount body (510). The latch mount body (510) is mounted on the latch switch (700) while the operator operates the latch switch (700) from the locked position to the released position, as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12A, 12B, respectively. Is configured to support pivotally. The operator thereby pivots the latch switch (700) distally from the locked position to the released position to operably disconnect the handle assembly (11) from the shaft assembly (16).

In general, the latch switch (700) operates from the locked position to the released position in the same manner as the latch switch (500) (see FIGS. 10A, B). However, the latch switch (700) does not include a cam lobe (532) and a collaborative cam base (520) for urging the shaft assembly (16) in the disengagement direction along the mounting shaft (IA). Rather, the latch system (688) relies on the intuitive sensation of the latch switch (700) to direct the operator in the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA).

In use, FIGS. 11A and 12A show a shaft assembly (16) operably coupled to a handle assembly (11) and a latch switch (700) in a locked position. To disconnect the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11), the operator grips the proximal grip surface (514) with the thumb or finger of the hand and pivots the latch switch (500) towards the release position. Move it. This time, the arched cam surface (530) of the distal nose (516) engages the lock yoke (90), pivoting the lock yoke (90) distally and creating a pivot lug (94). release. 11B and 12B show the shaft assembly and handle assembly (16, 11) operably disconnected from the latch switch (500) in the open position. From the release position, the operator simply orients the shaft assembly (16) in the removal direction along the mounting shaft (IA) to complete the removal of the replaceable shaft assembly (16) from the handle assembly (11). do.

IV. Surgical instruments with shaft assemblies that communicate data with the handle assembly Surgical instruments, in some cases, with hardware and software configured to communicate data from the shaft assembly (16) to the handle assembly (11). It may be desirable to provide equipment (10, 210, 410, 610). Specifically, it may be desirable to set up a handle assembly (11) that has certain clinical functions that are unique to a particular type of interchangeable shaft assembly (16) that happens to be connected to the handle assembly (11). .. Thereby, the handle assembly (11) can be used in a variety of predetermined clinical functions, each specific to different types of shaft assemblies (not shown). An example of such a surgical instrument (810) is described in more detail below. Further embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the teachings herein. It should be understood that the hardware and any related software described below can be easily incorporated into surgical instruments (10, 210, 410, 610). Therefore, similar numbers below indicate similar features as described above.

13 and 14 show an example of a surgical instrument (810) configured to communicate data such as software and / or operating parameters from the shaft assembly (816) to the handle assembly (811). The shaft assembly (816) includes a memory such as a flush member (910) configured to store data such as software and / or operating parameters specifically associated with a particular type of shaft assembly (816). .. The handle assembly (811) includes a display (912), a microcontroller (914), and a field programmable gate array (916). When the shaft assembly (816) is operably coupled to the handle assembly (811), the field programmable gate array (916) and microcontroller (914) are placed between the display (912) and the flash member (910). Electrically connect in parallel.

The field programmable gate array (916) is generally blank and easily programmable, while the microcontroller (914) contains the basic functional code for the overall operation of the handle assembly (811). It is possible. In this example, the microcontroller (914) does not include data such as software and / or operating parameters that are particularly relevant to the particular type of shaft assembly (816). Instead, the microcontroller (914) contains data such as software and / or operating parameters that are generally associated with various types of shaft assemblies (816). During use, the microcontroller (914) guides the user operation of the handle assembly (811), such as by providing instructions to the operator via the display (912). The operator operably connects the shaft assembly (816) to the handle assembly (811) in preparation for the operation of the shaft assembly (816), as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. After operational connectivity, the microcontroller (914) facilitates communication and transfer of data from the flash memory (910) to the field programmable gate array (916), so that the handle assembly (811) is then , Are configured to perform certain clinical functions that are particularly relevant to a particular type of shaft assembly (816).

In other words, the handle assembly (811) is software and / or operation specifically associated with a particular type of shaft assembly (816) until the shaft assembly (816) is fully connected to the handle assembly (811). Does not contain data such as parameters. The shaft assembly (816) is a component that permanently stores data such as software and / or operating parameters that are particularly associated with a particular type of shaft assembly (816). This data (ie, software and / or operating parameters specifically associated with a particular type of shaft assembly (816)) is fielded when the shaft assembly (816) is fully connected to the handle assembly (811). It is automatically transferred to a programmable gate array (916). Software that is specifically associated with a particular type of shaft assembly (816) when the instrument (810) is subsequently used (while the same shaft assembly (816) is fully connected to the handle assembly (811)). And / or operating parameters are executed from the field programmable gate array (916). Therefore, the field programmable gate array (916) provides a blank slate for each shaft assembly (816) connected to the handle assembly (811), so that the handle assembly (811) is specific. It should be understood that there is no need to permanently store software and / or operating parameters specifically associated with the type of shaft assembly (816). The handle assembly (811) only needs to store data such as software and / or operating parameters that are common among the various types of shaft assemblies (816). This can make the handle assembly (811) more easily adaptable to new and different types of shaft assemblies (816).

Data such as software and / or operating parameters transferred from the flash memory (910) to the field programmable gate array (916) is not just a simple hardware definition, but a complete logical operation of the shaft assembly (816). It should be further understood that parameters can be included. In other words, the full clinical function of the handle assembly (811) may be updated or modified by the flash memory (910) of the shaft assembly (816).

V. Surgical Instruments with Alternative Shaft Assemblies Also provided are surgical instruments (10, 210, 410, 610, 810) with alternative shaft assemblies (1016) configured to provide improved assemblies. May be desirable. An example of such a surgical instrument (1010) with a shaft assembly (1016) is described in more detail below. Further embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the teachings herein. It should be understood that the shaft assembly (1016) described below can be easily incorporated into surgical instruments (10, 210, 410, 610). Therefore, similar numbers below indicate similar features as described above.

As can be seen from FIGS. 15-19, the surgical instrument (1010) includes a replaceable shaft assembly (1016) and a handle assembly (11). The shaft assembly (1016) includes a spine (1020) configured to secure and support a shaft frame portion (not shown) of the joint lock (not shown). The spine (1020) is also configured to slidably support the launching member (1022) therein. In addition, the spine (1020) is configured to slidably support a closed tube (60) extending around the spine (1020). The spine (1020) is also configured to slidably support the proximal joint drive (1024). The joint drive (1024) has a distal end (1026) configured to operably engage a joint lock (not shown). As mentioned above, the joint lock (not shown) and the joint frame (not shown) may be constructed and operational in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of US Patent Publication No. 2014/0263541, which may be operational. The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

In this example, the spine (1020) has a proximal end (1028) rotatably supported within the chassis (64) (see FIG. 5A). Specifically, the proximal end (1028) of the spine (1020) is threaded into a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within the chassis (64) (see FIG. 5A). It has a thread (1030) formed on the proximal end for formal mounting. Such an arrangement facilitates the rotatable mounting of the spine (1020) so that the spine (1020) is selectively centered on the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16) with respect to the chassis (64). Can be rotated to.

The launching member (1022) is supported for axial movement within the spine (1020). The launch member (1022) includes an intermediate launch shaft portion (1032) configured for attachment to a distal cut portion (not shown) of the knife bar. The launch shaft portion (1032) includes a longitudinal slot (1034) at its distal end configured to receive a distal knife bar (not shown). The spine (1020) also has an elongated opening or window (1036) inside to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate launch shaft portion (1032) into the shaft frame (not shown). The launching member (1022) may be further configured and operational in accordance with at least some of the teachings of US Patent Publication No. 2014/0263541, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the above, the shaft assembly (1016) includes a clutch assembly (1038) capable of operating to selectively and releasably connect the joint drive (1024) to the launching member (1022). In this example, the clutch assembly (1038) includes a lock collar or sleeve (1040) located around the launching member (1022). The lock sleeve (1040) is operably connected to the engagement position where the lock sleeve (1040) connects the joint drive (1024) to the launch member (1022) and the joint drive (1024) to the launch member (1022). Can rotate to and from an unengaged disengagement position. When the lock sleeve (1040) is in its engaging position, the distal movement of the launching member (1022) can move the joint drive (1024) distally and accordingly the launching member (1022). ) Proximal movement can move the joint drive (1024) proximally. When the lock sleeve (1040) is in its disengaged position, the movement of the launching member (1022) is not transmitted to the joint drive (1024), resulting in the launching member (1022) being the joint drive (1022). It can move independently of 1024). Therefore, it should be understood that the lock sleeve (1040) is rotatable to transition between the joint drive mode and the launch drive mode. In various situations, when the joint drive (1024) is not moved proximally or distally by the launcher (1022), the joint drive (1024) is in place by a joint lock (not shown). Can be retained.

The lock sleeve (1040) includes a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body that defines an internally defined longitudinal aperture (1042) configured to receive the launching member (1022). The lock sleeve (1040) also includes an opposite inward locking protrusion (1044) and an outward locking member (1046). The lock protrusion (1044) is configured to be selectively engaged with the launching member (1022). More specifically, when the lock sleeve (1040) is in its engaging position, the lock overhang (1044) is positioned within a drive notch (1048) defined within the launch member (1022), thus. Distal push force and / or proximal tensile force is transmitted from the launching member (1022) to the lock sleeve (1040). When the lock sleeve (1040) is in its engaging position, the lock member (1046) is received within the drive notch (1050) defined within the joint drive (1024) and thus into the lock sleeve (1040). The applied distal pushing force and / or proximal tensile force is transmitted to the joint drive (1024). In essence, the launcher (1022), lock sleeve (1040) and joint drive (1024) will move together when the lock sleeve (1040) is in its engaging position.

On the other hand, when the lock sleeve (1040) is in its disengaged position, the lock protrusion (1044) is not positioned within the drive notch (1048) of the launching member (1022), resulting in a distal push. No force and / or proximal tensile force is transmitted from the launching member (1022) to the lock sleeve (1040). Accordingly, the distal pushing force and / or the proximal tensile force is not transmitted to the joint drive (1024). In such situations, the launching member (1022) may slide proximally and / or distally to the lock sleeve (1040) and the proximal joint drive (1024).

The shaft assembly (1016) further includes a switch drum (1052) rotatably received on the closed tube (60), as shown in detail in FIGS. 19 and 20. The switch drum (1052) includes a hollow shaft segment (1054) having an L-shaped slot (1056) extending to a distal opening (1058) to the L-shaped slot (1056). The distal opening (1058) receives the lateral pin (1060) of the shifter plate (1062). In one example, the shifter plate (1062) is received in a longitudinal slot (1064) provided within the lock sleeve (1040), with the lock sleeve (1040) engaging the joint drive (1024). Sometimes it facilitates the axial movement of the lock sleeve (1040). In addition, the closure tube (60) includes an outer L-shaped slot (1066) into which a shifter plate (1062) is inserted to access the longitudinal slot (1064) during installation. A rotary torsion spring (not shown) may be included to engage the switch drum (1052) to rotatably urge the switch drum (1052) against the lock sleeve (1040). The switch drum (1052) also includes at least a partially annular opening (1068) defined therein, which has an annular mount (not shown) extending from half of the nozzle (56, 58). It can be configured to accept and allow relative rotation between the switch drum (1052) and the proximal nozzle (54), but not translation. The rotation of the switch drum (1052) ultimately results in the rotation of the shifter plate (1062) and lock sleeve (1040) between its engaging and disengaging positions. Thus, essentially, the nozzle (54) may be used to operably disengage and engage the joint drive system with the launch drive system, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, respectively.

VI. Illustrative Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive methods to which the teachings herein can be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of any claim that may be presented at any time in this application or in a later application. be. It is not intended to be abandoned at all. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein can be constructed and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that in some variants, certain features referred to in the examples below may be omitted. Therefore, unless explicitly indicated at a later date by us, or by a successor in our interest, any of the aspects or features referred to below shall be mandatory. Should not be considered. If a claim containing additional features other than those mentioned below is presented in this application or in a later application related to this application, these additional features may be for any reason relating to patentability. It should not be considered as an addition.

(Example 1)
Surgical instruments, (a) a shaft assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion comprises an end effector projecting distally from the shaft assembly. A handle assembly configured to receive the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly and a latch system configured to operably connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly (i). A shaft lock member connected to the shaft assembly and (ii) a handle lock member connected to the handle assembly that engages the shaft lock member and operably disconnects the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. Includes a handle lock member, (iii) cam base, and (iv) latch member, the latch member having a cam surface configured to engage the cam base, which is configured to prevent , The latch member is configured to selectively move from the lock position to the release position, so that the movement of the latch member towards the unlock position disengages the shaft lock member from the handle lock member, thereby the release position. The shaft assembly is operably disengaged from the handle assembly in, and the latch member is further configured to selectively move from the release position to the removal position, so that the movement towards the removal position of the latch member is latched. With a latch system, which is configured to engage the cam surface of the member with the cam base, thereby urging the shaft assembly in the disengaging direction with respect to the handle assembly in order to instruct the user in the disengaging direction. Prepare for surgical instruments.

(Example 2)
The latch member engages with at least one of the shaft lock member and the handle lock member, whereby when the latch member moves from the unlock position to the release position, the shaft lock member is disengaged from the handle lock member. The surgical instrument according to Example 1, which is configured to allow.

(Example 3)
The surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the handle assembly comprises a cam base and the shaft assembly comprises a latch member.

(Example 4)
The latch member of the shaft assembly is configured to engage the shaft lock member, thereby disengaging the shaft lock member from the handle lock member as the latch member moves from the unlocked position to the released position. The surgical instrument according to Example 3.

(Example 5)
The handle lock member is in the form of a shaft lock yoke that is tightly connected to the handle assembly and the shaft lock member is pivotally connected to the shaft assembly so that the shaft lock yoke engages with the handle lock member. The surgical instrument according to Example 4, which is urged to.

(Example 6)
The handle assembly includes a cam base, the shaft assembly includes a latch member, the latch member comprises a latch button, the latch button is slidably mounted on the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly, so that the latch button locks. The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 5, which is configured to slide from a position to a removal position.

(Example 7)
The surgical instrument of Example 6, wherein the latch button comprises a distal nose configured to engage the shaft locking member for disengagement from the handle locking member.

(Example 8)
The cam surface of the latch button is in the form of a lower lamp cam surface configured to slide laterally along the cam base, thereby urging the shaft assembly in the disengagement direction with respect to the handle assembly. The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 6-7.

(Example 9)
The latch system further includes a latch mount body tightly attached to its proximal end, which is configured to capture the latch button laterally, while the latch button is removed from the locked position. The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 6-8, which is configured to slide relative to the latch mount body towards a position.

(Example 10)
9. Example 9, wherein the latch mount body comprises a hole extending through the interior, the hole being configured to provide direct contact between the cam base passing through the interior and the cam surface of the latch button. Surgical instruments.

(Example 11)
The handle assembly includes a cam base, the shaft assembly contains a latch member, the latch member comprises a latch switch, the latch switch is pivotally mounted on the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly, so that the latch switch locks. The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1-10, which is configured to pivot from position to removal position.

(Example 12)
11. The surgical instrument of Example 11, wherein the latch switch comprises a distal nose configured to engage the shaft locking member for disengagement from the handle locking member.

(Example 13)
Example, the cam surface of a latch switch is in the form of a cam lobe surface configured to rotatably slide along a cam base, thereby urging the shaft assembly in the disengagement direction with respect to the handle assembly. The surgical instrument according to any one or two or more of 11-12.

(Example 14)
The latch system further includes a latch mount body tightly attached to its proximal end, which is configured to capture the latch switch so that the latch switch moves from the locked position to the disengaged position. The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 11 to 13, which is configured to slide with respect to the latch mount body.

(Example 15)
14. Example 14, wherein the latch mount body comprises a hole extending through the interior, the hole being configured to provide direct contact between the cam base passing through the interior and the cam surface of the latch switch. Surgical instruments.

(Example 16)
Surgical instruments, (a) a shaft assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion comprises an end effector projecting distally from the shaft assembly. (B) a handle assembly configured to receive the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly and (c) a latch system configured to operably connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly, (i). A shaft lock member connected to the shaft assembly and (ii) a handle lock member connected to the handle assembly that engages the shaft lock member and operably disconnects the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. A handle lock member and a (iii) latch switch that are configured to prevent A surgical instrument comprising a latch switch, the movement of which is configured to disengage the shaft locking member from the handle locking member, thereby operably disengaging the shaft assembly from the handle assembly in the disengaged position. ..

(Example 17)
The latch system further comprises a cam base, the latch switch includes the cam lobe surface, and the cam lobe surface slides rotatably along the cam base, thereby instructing the user in the removal direction from the release position to the removal position. 16. The surgical instrument of Example 16, which is configured to urge the shaft assembly in the disengaging direction with respect to the handle assembly.

(Example 18)
A method of removing the shaft assembly from the handle assembly of a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument having a latch system having a shaft lock member, a handle lock member, a cam base and a latch member, the shaft lock member being a shaft. Connected to the assembly, the handle lock member is connected to the handle assembly, the handle lock member is configured to engage the shaft lock member and prevent the shaft assembly from being operably disconnected from the handle assembly. The latch member has a cam surface configured to engage the cam base, the method being (a) moving the latch member from the lock position towards the release position and from the handle lock member to the shaft lock member at the release position. To disengage, (b) operably disengage the shaft assembly from the handle assembly, (c) move the latch member from the release position to the disengagement position, and (d) to the cam base. A method that involves engaging the cam surface of the shaft assembly and urging the shaft assembly in the removal direction with respect to the handle assembly for removal of the shaft assembly from the handle assembly.

(Example 19)
18. The method of Example 18, wherein the latch member comprises a latch button, and moving the latch button further comprises sliding the latch button.

(Example 20)
The method according to any one or more of Examples 18-19, wherein the latch member comprises a latch switch, and moving the latch button further comprises pivoting the latch switch.

VII. It should be understood that any other variant of the instrument described herein may include various other features in addition to or in place of those described herein. As an example only, any of the instruments described herein will exhibit one or more of the various features disclosed herein in any of the various references incorporated by reference. It can also be included. The teachings herein are described in any of the other references herein, as the teachings herein can be easily combined with the teachings of any of the references cited herein in a number of ways. It will be appreciated that it can be easily applied to any of the following instruments. Other types of instruments to which the teachings herein may be incorporated will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It should also be understood that any range of values referred to herein should be read as including the upper and lower limits of such range. For example, the range described as "approximately 2.5 centimeters to approximately 3.8 centimeters (1.0 inches to approximately 1.5 inches)" is the value between their upper and lower boundaries. In addition to including, it must be interpreted to include approximately 2.5 centimeters and approximately 3.8 centimeters (1.0 inches and approximately 1.5 inches).

Any patents, publications, or other disclosures referred to herein by reference, in whole or in part, are described in the current definition, opinion, or disclosure. Please be aware that this is incorporated herein only to the extent that it is consistent with the other disclosures made. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly set forth herein shall supersede any contradictory statements incorporated herein by reference. Any document, or any portion thereof, that is incorporated herein by reference but is inconsistent with current definitions, views, or other disclosures contained herein, is in reference and existing. It shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no contradiction with the disclosed content of.

The variants of the device described above can have applications in robot-assisted therapies and procedures as well as in conventional therapies and procedures performed by medical professionals. As an example only, the various teachings herein are described in robotic surgical systems such as Intuitive Surgical, Inc. It can be easily incorporated into the DAVINCI ™ system by (Sunnyvale, California). Similarly, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various teachings herein are incorporated herein by reference in the "Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound" published August 31, 2004. It can be easily combined with the various teachings of US Pat. No. 6,783,524 entitled "Couturing and Cutting Instrument".

The variants described above may be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. In either or both cases, the modified form may be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. The readjustment may include any combination of the disassembly step of the device, followed by the cleaning or replacement step of a particular part, and the subsequent reassembly step. In particular, some variants of the device can be disassembled and any number of specific parts or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of certain parts, some variants of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use at the readjustment facility or by the operator shortly before surgery. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be used in the readjustment of the equipment. The use of such techniques and the resulting readjustment device are all within the scope of the present invention.

As an example, the variants described herein may be sterilized before and / or after surgery. In one sterilization method, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The vessel and device can then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the vessel, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high energy electron beams. Radiation can kill bacteria on the surface of the device and in the container. After this, the sterilized device can be stored in a sterilized container for later use. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma rays, ethylene oxide, or water vapor.

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, further adaptation of the methods and systems described herein can be made by appropriate modification by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. It can be realized. Some of such possible modifications have been mentioned, but other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, processes, etc. discussed above are exemplary and not essential. Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in view of the following claims and is not limited to the structural and operational details illustrated and described herein and in the drawings.

[Implementation mode]
(1) Surgical instruments
(A) A shaft assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion comprising an end effector projecting distally from the shaft assembly.
(B) A handle assembly configured to receive the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly.
(C) A latch system configured to operably connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly.
(I) A shaft lock member connected to the shaft assembly and
(Ii) A handle lock member connected to the handle assembly that engages with the shaft lock member and is configured to prevent the shaft assembly from being operably disconnected from the handle assembly. There is a handle lock member,
(Iii) Cam base and
(Iv) A latch member comprising a latch member having a cam surface configured to engage the cam base.
The latch member is configured to selectively move from the lock position to the release position, so that the movement of the latch member towards the unlock position disengages the shaft lock member from the handle lock member. Is configured to operably disconnect the shaft assembly from the handle assembly at the release position.
The latch member is further configured to selectively move from the release position to the removal position so that the movement of the latch member towards the removal position engages the cam surface of the latch member with the cam base. A surgical instrument comprising a latch system, which is configured to urge the shaft assembly in the removal direction relative to the handle assembly, thereby instructing the user in the removal direction.
(2) The latch member engages with at least one of the shaft lock member and the handle lock member, whereby when the latch member moves from the unlocked position to the released position, the shaft The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, which is configured to disengage the lock member from the handle lock member.
(3) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 2, wherein the handle assembly comprises the cam base and the shaft assembly comprises the latch member.
(4) The latch member of the shaft assembly engages with the shaft lock member, whereby when the latch member moves from the unlocked position to the released position, the shaft lock member is locked by the handle. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 3, which is configured to disengage from a member.
(5) The handle lock member is in the form of a shaft lock yoke in which the handle lock member is firmly connected to the handle assembly and the shaft lock member is pivotally connected to the shaft assembly. Therefore, the shaft lock yoke is formed. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 4, which is urged to engage with the handle lock member.

(6) The handle assembly includes the cam base, the shaft assembly includes the latch member, the latch member comprises a latch button, and the latch button is slidable to the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the latch button is configured to slide from the locked position to the disengaged position.
(7) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 6, wherein the latch button comprises a distal nose configured to engage the shaft lock member for disengagement from the handle lock member.
(8) The cam surface of the latch button is configured to slide laterally along the cam base, thereby urging the shaft assembly in the disengaging direction with respect to the handle assembly. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 6, which is in the form of a lower lamp cam surface.
(9) The latch system further includes a latch mount body tightly connected to the proximal end portion thereof, the latch mount body being configured to laterally capture the latch button, while said. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 6, wherein the latch button is configured to slide with respect to the latch mount body from the lock position to the removal position.
(10) The latch mount body includes a hole extending through the interior, the hole being configured to provide direct contact between the cam base passing through the interior and the cam surface of the latch button. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 9.

(11) The handle assembly includes the cam base, the shaft assembly includes the latch member, the latch member comprises a latch switch, and the latch switch is pivotable to the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the latch switch is configured to pivot from the locked position to the disengaged position.
(12) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 11, wherein the latch switch comprises a distal nose configured to engage the shaft lock member for disengagement from the handle lock member.
(13) The cam surface of the latch switch is configured to rotatably slide along the cam base, thereby urging the shaft assembly in the disengaging direction with respect to the handle assembly. 11. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 11, which is in the form of a cam lobe surface.
(14) The latch system further includes a latch mount body tightly connected to the proximal end portion thereof, the latch mount body being configured to capture the latch switch, so that the latch switch is a member of the latch mount body. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 11, which is configured to pivot with respect to the latch mount body from the locked position to the disengaged position.
(15) The latch mount body includes a hole extending through the interior, the hole being configured to provide direct contact between the cam base passing through the interior and the cam surface of the latch switch. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 14.

(16) Surgical instrument
(A) A shaft assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion comprising an end effector projecting distally from the shaft assembly.
(B) A handle assembly configured to receive the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly.
(C) A latch system configured to operably connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly.
(I) A shaft lock member connected to the shaft assembly and
(Ii) A handle lock member connected to the handle assembly that engages with the shaft lock member and is configured to prevent the shaft assembly from being operably disconnected from the handle assembly. There is a handle lock member,
(Iii) The latch switch is configured to selectively pivot from the lock position to the release position, so that the movement of the latch switch toward the unlock position causes the shaft lock member to move from the handle lock member. A surgical instrument comprising a latch system, including a latch switch, which is configured to disengage and thereby operably disengage the shaft assembly from the handle assembly at said disengagement position. ..
(17) The latch system further comprises a cam base, the latch switch includes a cam lobe surface, the cam lobe surface rotatably slides along the cam base, thereby instructing the user in a removal direction. 16. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 16, wherein the shaft assembly is configured to urge the handle assembly from the release position to the removal position in the removal direction.
(18) A method of removing the shaft assembly from the handle assembly of a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument has a latch system having a shaft lock member, a handle lock member, a cam base, and a latch member. The shaft lock member is connected to the shaft assembly, the handle lock member is connected to the handle assembly, the handle lock member engages the shaft lock member, and the shaft assembly is operable from the handle assembly. The latch member has a cam surface configured to engage the cam base, the method of which is configured to prevent disengagement.
(A) Moving the latch member from the lock position to the release position to disengage the shaft lock member from the handle lock member at the release position.
(B) To operably disconnect the shaft assembly from the handle assembly and
(C) Moving the latch member from the release position to the removal position,
(D) The cam surface of the shaft assembly is engaged with the cam base, and the shaft assembly is urged in the removal direction with respect to the handle assembly for removal of the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. And how to do it, including.
(19) The method of embodiment 18, wherein the latch member comprises a latch button, and moving the latch button further comprises sliding the latch button.
(20) The method of embodiment 18, wherein the latch member comprises a latch switch, and moving the latch button further comprises pivoting the latch switch.

Claims (19)

It ’s a surgical instrument,
(A) A shaft assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said distal end portion comprising an end effector projecting distally from the shaft assembly.
(B) A handle assembly configured to receive the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly.
(C) A latch system configured to operably connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly.
(I) A shaft lock member connected to the shaft assembly and
(Ii) A handle lock member connected to the handle assembly that engages with the shaft lock member and is configured to prevent the shaft assembly from being operably disconnected from the handle assembly. There is a handle lock member,
(Iii) Cam base and
(Iv) A latch member comprising a latch member having a cam surface configured to engage the cam base.
The latch member is configured to selectively move from the lock position to the release position, so that the movement of the latch member towards the release position disengages the shaft lock member from the handle lock member, thereby disengaging the shaft lock member. , The shaft assembly is operably disconnected from the handle assembly at the release position.
The latch member is further configured to selectively move from the release position to the removal position so that the movement of the latch member towards the removal position engages the cam surface of the latch member with the cam base. A surgical instrument comprising a latch system, which is configured to urge the shaft assembly in the removal direction relative to the handle assembly, thereby instructing the user in the removal direction. Said latch member is engaged at least one and engagement of said shaft locking member and said handle locking member, whereby when said latch member is moved toward the locked position placed et the release position, the shaft locking member The surgical instrument according to claim 1, which is configured to disengage the handle lock member. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the handle assembly comprises the cam base and the shaft assembly comprises the latch member. Said latch member of said shaft assembly, said shaft lock member engages, thereby, when the latch member is moved toward the locked position placed et the release position, the shaft locking member from the handle locking member The surgical instrument according to claim 3, which is configured to be disengaged. The handle lock member is in the form of a shaft lock yoke in which the handle lock member is tightly connected to the handle assembly and the shaft lock member is pivotally connected to the shaft assembly, so that the shaft lock yoke is the handle lock. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, which is urged to engage with a member. The handle assembly includes the cam base, the shaft assembly includes the latch member, the latch member comprises a latch button, and the latch button is slidably mounted on the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly. Therefore, the surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the latch button is configured to slide from the lock position toward the removal position. 6. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein the latch button comprises a distal nose configured to engage the shaft lock member for disengagement from the handle lock member. A lower lamp cam configured such that the cam surface of the latch button slides laterally along the cam base, thereby urging the shaft assembly in the disengaging direction with respect to the handle assembly. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, which is in the form of a surface. The latch system further comprises a latch mount body tightly connected to the proximal end portion thereof, the latch mount body being configured to laterally capture the latch button, while the latch button is. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to slide with respect to the latch mount body from the lock position to the removal position. The latch mount body includes a hole extending through the interior, the hole being configured to provide direct contact between the cam base through the interior and the cam surface of the latch button. The surgical instrument according to claim 9. The handle assembly includes the cam base, the shaft assembly includes the latch member, the latch member comprises a latch switch, and the latch switch is pivotally mounted on the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the latch switch is configured to pivot from the locked position toward the detached position. 11. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the latch switch comprises a distal nose configured to engage the shaft lock member for disengagement from the handle lock member. Wherein said latch switch pair of cam lobes, the surface of the cam lobe of the latch switch, pivots along said cam base, thereby biasing the shaft assembly in the detaching direction with respect to the handle assembly The surgical instrument according to claim 11, which is configured to do so. The latch system further comprises a latch mount body tightly connected to the proximal end portion thereof, the latch mount body being configured to capture the latch switch so that the latch switch is in the locking position. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, which is configured to pivot with respect to the latch mount body from the to the removal position. The latch mount body includes a hole extending through the interior, the hole being configured to provide direct contact between the cam base through the interior and the cam surface of the latch switch. The surgical instrument according to claim 14. It ’s a surgical instrument,
(A) A shaft assembly having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said proximal end portion comprising an end effector projecting distally from the shaft assembly.
(B) A handle assembly configured to receive the proximal end portion of the shaft assembly.
(C) A latch system configured to operably connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly.
(I) A shaft lock member connected to the shaft assembly and
(Ii) A handle lock member connected to the handle assembly that engages with the shaft lock member and is configured to prevent the shaft assembly from being operably disconnected from the handle assembly. There is a handle lock member,
(Iii) The latch switch is configured to selectively pivot from the lock position to the release position, so that the movement of the latch switch toward the release position engages the shaft lock member from the handle lock member. A latch system, including a latch switch, which is configured to disengage and thereby operably disengage the shaft assembly from the handle assembly at said release position.
The latch system further comprises a cam base, the latch switch includes a cam lobe surface, the cam lobe surface pivots along the cam base, thereby instructing the user in a removal direction from the release position. A surgical instrument configured to urge the shaft assembly in the removal direction with respect to the handle assembly towards the removal position. A method of removing the shaft assembly from the handle assembly of a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument has a latch system having a shaft lock member, a handle lock member, a cam base, and a latch member, said shaft lock member. Is connected to the shaft assembly, the handle lock member is connected to the handle assembly, the handle lock member engages the shaft lock member, and the shaft assembly is operably disconnected from the handle assembly. The latch member has a cam surface configured to engage the cam base, according to the method.
(A) Moving the latch member from the lock position to the release position to disengage the shaft lock member from the handle lock member at the release position.
(B) To operably disconnect the shaft assembly from the handle assembly and
(C) Moving the latch member from the release position to the removal position,
(D) The cam surface of the shaft assembly is engaged with the cam base, and the shaft assembly is urged in the removal direction with respect to the handle assembly for removal of the shaft assembly from the handle assembly. And how to do it, including. 17. The method of claim 17, wherein the latch member comprises a latch button, and moving the latch button further comprises sliding the latch button. 17. The method of claim 17, wherein the latch member comprises a latch switch, and moving the latch switch further comprises pivoting the latch switch.

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